Introduction to converting to a RWD RC Drift Car:

Thinking about Converting Your 4WD to RWD RC Drift Car? Tired of feeling confined by the limitations of your current 4WD RC drift Car and the lack of places to drift? If you’ve been sitting on an old 4WD RC drift car, it might be time to explore new horizons and unlock the full potential of your drifting skills.

Welcome to the exhilarating world of RWD RC drifting, where precision and challenge await at every turn. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the benefits of converting from 4WD to RWD. Including the unique challenges you’ll encounter and the best approach to converting your 4WD RC drift car to RWD. Get ready to take your RC drifting experience to new heights.

My personal experience

Before we get into it, let me share with you my experience. I was originally a 4wd RC Drifter as was Bailey. I had been taking him drifting since he was about 12 years old. In those days, 4wd drifting was the only choice. My car was a Team Associated TC5R fully done up and built from scratch with crazy amounts of power.

Bailey had a Tamiya 4wd Drift Car. Then as he got older, they brought out counter steer. By that time, a few of his school mates had also joined the hobby too. Bailey upgraded to an MST MS-01D Pro so that he could try Counter-Steer. That means you can change the power distribution from 50/50 from the front to rear to 70/30 with more power at the rear tyres. We still have the cars and I still have the box!

The local track closed and we all sort of moved on from the hobby.

Then years later, we heard there was an RC drift track in Brisbane again. We assumed we could use our own cars and headed to check it out one night.

It was then that we were told, “no way are you allowed to put either of those cars on the track”. it was RWD only. At first, I thought, this guy just wants to sell me 2 new cars and sure enough, that’s where he went with me. We decided to think about it and come back to it.

I then researched and researched if we could convert our current cars and save the cost of starting again. Below is what I learned and why we both bought two new RWD RC Drift Cars.

Understanding the Difference:

Before we dive into the intricacies of RWD (2WD) drifting, let’s take a moment to understand the fundamental differences between 4WD and RWD setups. While 4WD RC drift cars offer stability and control by distributing power to all four wheels, RWD introduces an element of challenge and precision by sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. Imagine the thrill of mastering the art of precision drifting with a rear-wheel-drive setup, where every maneuver demands finesse and skill.

Why People Prefer 2WD RC Drifting

People often prefer RWD RC drifting over 4WD RC drifting for several reasons. Each of them contributing to the unique appeal and excitement of RWD drifting:

1. Realism and Authenticity: RWD RC drifting closely mirrors the dynamics and challenges of real-life drifting. As a result, offering enthusiasts a more authentic and immersive experience. With power sent exclusively to the rear wheels, RWD drifting requires precise control and mastery of throttle inputs and weight transfer, replicating the techniques used in full-scale drifting.
2. Challenging and Rewarding: RWD drifting presents a greater challenge compared to 4WD drifting. It requires drivers to develop advanced skills and techniques to maintain control and execute smooth drifts. The learning curve may be steep, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from mastering RWD drifting is unparalleled.
3. Versatility and Creativity: RWD drifting offers a greater degree of versatility and creativity on the track. With power routed exclusively to the rear wheels, drivers have more freedom to experiment with different drift angles, techniques and styles. This allows for a more diverse and expressive driving experience.
4. Enhanced Control and Precision: RWD RC drift cars typically offer enhanced control and precision compared to their 4WD counterparts. With power delivered directly to the rear wheels, RWD drift cars are capable of tighter turns, smoother drifts and more precise maneuvers. Due this this, it gives drivers greater confidence and control on the track.

Overall, the appeal of RWD RC drifting lies in its realism, challenge, versatility, and sense of community. This makes it a preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking a dynamic and immersive RC drifting experience.

Embracing the Challenge:

Transitioning from 4WD to RWD drifting requires a willingness to embrace the challenge and step out of your comfort zone. There is a learning curve at first, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Embrace the opportunity to refine your technique on the track and experience the satisfaction of mastering RWD drifting skills. Picture yourself executing tighter turns, smoother drifts, and experiencing enhanced control over your vehicle’s movements on the track.

Benefits of RWD Drifting:

Let’s explore the list of benefits of RWD drifting that await you on the track:

Greater agility, responsiveness, and maneuverability: With power routed exclusively to the rear wheels, RWD RC drift cars offer unmatched agility and responsiveness. You can navigate the track with precision and confidence.

Unlock a new level of creativity and style: RWD drifting opens up a world of possibilities for creative expression on the track. Experiment with different drift angles, techniques, and styles to develop your unique drifting identity.

Tighter turns, smoother drifts and enhanced control: Experience the thrill of executing tighter turns, smoother drifts, and enjoying enhanced control over your vehicle’s movements with RWD drifting. Say goodbye to the limitations of 4WD and hello to a whole new level of drifting performance.

Overcoming Unique Challenges:

Transitioning to RWD drifting comes with its own set of challenges, but with perseverance and dedication, you can overcome them:

Master throttle control and weight transfer: In RWD drifting, mastering throttle control and weight transfer is crucial for maintaining control and executing smooth drifts. Practice these techniques diligently to navigate the unique challenges of RWD drifting with confidence.

Embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth: Every challenge you encounter on your RWD drifting journey is an opportunity for growth and improvement. Embrace these obstacles as opportunities to refine your skills and push yourself to new heights as a drifter.

Seek guidance from experienced drivers: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and advice from experienced RWD drifters in the RC drifting community. Their insights and expertise can provide valuable guidance as you navigate the challenges of RWD drifting. That’s what is great about the RC Drift Qld Crew.

Why Converting a 4WD RC Drift Car Isn’t Ideal:

While converting a 4WD RC drift car to RWD may seem like a viable option, there are several reasons why it’s not the ideal approach:

Cost-prohibitive nature of extensive modifications: Converting a 4WD car to RWD requires extensive modifications to the drivetrain, suspension, and steering system, which can be costly and labor-intensive. Even after that – you wont have the ability to tune it correctly. Your Ackerman will be wrong & probably not adjustable. You most likely wont be able to adjust the Castor Angle either. As a result, you wont enjoy the experience. And that’s after throwing big bucks and lots of time at it.

Performance compromises: Even after the conversion, a converted car may not perform as well as a purpose-built RWD RC drift car. Issues such as limited steering angle, steering geometry and improper weight distribution will compromise the car’s handling and drifting capabilities.

This will prevent you from being able to drift in trains and tandem with other drivers which is a big part of the fun of 2WD RC Drifting

A better alternative: Instead of converting your 4WD RC drift car to RWD, consider investing in a purpose-built 2WD/RWD chassis. By transferring the electronics from your existing 4WD car to a dedicated RWD platform, you can recover some of your investment already made on your 4WD Car and enjoy superior performance and handling without compromising on drifting capabilities.

A Better Alternative:

Investing in a purpose-built RWD chassis offers several advantages over converting a 4WD RC drift car:

Superior performance and handling: Purpose-built RWD chassis are designed specifically for drifting, offering superior performance and handling compared to converted cars.

Cost-effectiveness: While converting a 4WD car to RWD can be costly and labor-intensive, investing in a purpose-built RWD chassis is a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

Optimal quality and performance: By starting with a purpose-built RWD chassis, you can ensure optimal quality and performance without compromising on drifting capabilities. Enjoy a smoother, more responsive driving experience as you navigate the track with confidence.

Community Support and Resources:
As you embark on your RWD drifting journey, you’ll find a wealth of support and resources within the RC drifting community:

Come to RC Drift Qld and ask us for advice: Connect with like-minded enthusiasts and gain valuable insights from experienced RWD drifters in the RC drifting community.

Surround yourself with supportive peers: Surround yourself with supportive peers who are dedicated to helping you succeed in RWD drifting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drifter, the RC drifting community is here to support you every step of the way.

Making the Transition:

Ready to make the transition from 4WD to RWD drifting? Here’s how to get started:

Consider Hiring a 2WD Drift car from a local track like RC Drift Qld: Take advantage of being able to try out different hire cars to get an understanding of the 2WD RC Drift Cars and get a taste of the thrill.

Then you can get advice from the experts at RC Drift Qld and other drifters at the track and work out a strategy for converting from 4wd RC Drifting to Rear Wheel Drive RC Drifting.

Conclusion to converting to a RWD RC Drift Car:

Are you ready to elevate your RC drifting experience to new heights? Make the switch from 4WD to RWD drifting and unlock a world of new possibilities on the track. Join the RC Drift Qld community today and embark on your journey towards RWD drifting mastery.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drifter, the thrill of mastering RWD drifting skills awaits. So why wait? Take the first steps towards RWD drifting mastery today and experience the satisfaction of pushing the limits of your abilities on the track.

See you at the Track!